ANR-0053-A, New March 1999. Arlie Powell, Extension Horticulturist, Professor, David Himelrick, Extension Horticulturist, Professor, William Dozier, Professor, and Mary Beth Musgrove, Extension Associate, all in Horticulture at Auburn University

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Introduction to ANR-0053 Fruit Culture in Alabama

The citizens of Alabama are extremely fortunate in being able to produce many types of fruits that provide good nutrition and gardening enjoyment. Studies in recent years have clearly shown that eating several servings of fruit each day promotes good health. Being able to harvest and consume tree- or vine-ripened fruits with luscious flavor out of a home garden not only provides great eating satisfaction but sound nutrition as well.

The peach is the most popular tree fruit grown in the state.

Individuals living in rural areas often have fruit gardens. But even people who live in larger cities and towns may have room for establishing small fruit plantings or a few fruit trees. Used in a home landscaping plan, fruit plantings provide shade and beauty as well as contribute needed vitamins and minerals to the family diet. All of the 14 or more different types of fruits grown commercially in the state are adapted for home production. Deciduous tree fruits, such as peaches and apples, and most small fruits, including blueberries and strawberries, can be grown throughout the state. Because of freeze damage, a number of popular fruits, such as satsuma, kumquat, and other types of citrus, are only adapted to South Alabama when grown outside. Freeze damage is also the limiting factor in preventing kiwifruit from being grown in the northern third of the state.

Successful fruit production, whether for home use or for market, depends on growers taking reasonable care of their orchards and following certain recommended practices. The publications in the Fruit Culture series will help growers understand how to (1) select fruit types and adapted varieties, (2) choose, prepare, and plant a site, and (3) maintain the orchard and harvest the fruit.

List of Publications

The following publications are part of a total program of fruit culture designed primarily for home and hobby producers. However, much of the material contained in these publications applies directly to commercial fruit producers as well. The publications in this series are 2 to 12 pages long with tables and illustrations covering selection, planting, and maintenance. The publications within each section are as follows:

ANR-0053-A Introduction to ANR-0053: Fruit Culture in Alabama

Fruit Selection: Fruit Types and Adapted Varieties

• ANR-0053-B Understanding and Selecting Fruit Types to Grow
• ANR-0053-C Ease of Culture
• ANR-0053-D Winter Chilling Requirements
• ANR-0053-E Fruitfulness and Pollination
• ANR-0053-F Selecting Adapted Varieties
• ANR-0053-G Recommended Rootstocks

Site Selection, Preparation, and Planting

• ANR-0053-H Soil and Site Selection and Freeze Protection
• ANR-0053-I Site Preparation and Layout
• ANR-0053-J Nursery Stock and Planting Techniques

Orchard Maintenance and Harvesting

• ANR-0053-K Training and Pruning Tree Fruits
• ANR-0053-L Training and Pruning Small Fruits
• ANR-0053-M Fertilization and Weed Control
• ANR-0053-N Thinning and Girdling
• ANR-0053-O Controlling Insects and Diseases
• ANR-0053-P Sprayers and Other Equipment for Orchard Maintenance
• ANR-0053-Q Harvesting and Handling Fruit
• ANR-0053-R Additional Sources of Information on Fruit Culture

For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.